Are you considering just putting one of your existing banner ads on a social site such as Facebook?

Don’t. At least… not yet…

It’s important to remember you are dealing with two different mediums. What works on one – even if it’s your strongest ad – may not work on the other. There are a number of mistakes I’ve seen marketers make, when creating their own social ads, and impersonal headlines beginning with anything even remotely close to: “The Untold Truth About…” – ones that sound like a sales pitch – will turn people off faster than a slap of ice water.

It’s important also to match the ad with the right social network.  There are now so many in play that it seems as if there’s a social network for every market – and they’re not all created equal.  Besides a difference in sales tracking metrics and flexibility, you also have to consider the demographic that uses each particular one the most.

For example, Scribd’s population leans more heavily towards young male professionals, with college education, whereas MySpace’s demographic is the 17-21 year old age group (usually non-spenders, except on electronic items such as iPhones, music and gaming systems).

But no matter what platform you finally pick, you won’t get anywhere with the sort of sales pitches that sound like the beginning of a TV commercial: The sort that wake you up at night, while their presenters enthusiastically shout about the latest gadget.

Remember that social advertising is just that… social. Nobody’s really got the ultimate handle on it yet… but when it comes to social advertising for your business, remembering you’re supposed to be interacting, and that a give and take has to go on with your fans, will go further than the cleverest headline.

Want more information about social advertising? Check out my free report: Social Media: How it Changes the Way You Advertise Online at http://www.lisarwells.com/socialmedia/

You’ve been diligent about promoting your virtual assistant business and your passive income has been slowly but surely increasing as well from affiliate links to products and programs. But there are other ways you can bring people to your mini-site or sales page, you just have to get in the habit of being aware of them.

Offline Methods

If you’re thinking “expensive ads,” think again. There are several ways to reach your target market, offline as well as on.

For example, have you thought about simply including the link you want to drive them to on your business card, under your signature?

It takes seconds to put that link in your signature or resource box, press releases, or letters you send to local papers, too.

And don’t neglect your local store and community center bulletin board as a place to plant your flyers – with your product link in the tear-off tags, as well as the usual phone number.

The Hidden Market – In Plain Sight

But there’s one more way to get your name out and capture an offline lead. Local organizations are always looking for guest speakers. See if there’s a “business startup” program that’s partially government-funded, or one that’s provided by another agency.

Find out the name of the contact person – all you have to do is phone the agency, or drop in and ask. Approach them and offer to be a guest speaker on the subject of “marketing online” or “internet promotion.” Chances are, surprising as it may sound, they won’t have anyone in their number who can fulfill that function. They’ll most likely jump on your offer – especially if it’s free. I gave a few of these types of talks while in Toastmasters, before my business was even off the ground and trust me, people DO need speakers.

And all you do is hand out your business card at the end of your helpful seminar – with (you guessed it) your business URL link is below your signature.

Create Your Own Opportunities

That brings us to our last 2 offline promotion methods. Don’t waste the space on the back of that business card – fill it with a small ad for your business in the style of a direct response ad, getting right to the point.

And (especially if you live in a small town) be sure to phone your local radio station and offer to be a guest. Have a one-page promotional bio page ready to fax or email them, if they ask.

When you’re writing the bio page, just remember the purpose is to tell them why you would be an interesting guest for their readers – and cut out anything else (except credentials you’d like to include.)

You might think that it would be hard, getting a guest spot on a radio show, but the truth is, it’s more often not. People are always looking for interesting guests to fill up slots in a show, and they’re delighted when one who’s well-prepared walks through the door, for free.

But there’s one final tip about offline promotion that has served me better than any other. I take my motto from the Boy Scouts: “Always be prepared.” Always have those business cards tucked away in your pocket, wallet, or purse. Carry a few extra in the car – and be ready to make your pitch, when asked.

After all, there’s no point going to all that trouble to beef up your business cards if you forget to have them with you!